Bombay High Court asks BCCI to maintain status quo on Deccan Chargers

MUMBAI: In a minor relief to the beleaguered Deccan Chargers, the Bombay High Court today directed the BCCI to maintain status quo regarding the termination of the IPL franchise, owned by Deccan Chronicles Holdings Ltd.

Deccan Chronicles had approached the High Court on Saturday challenging the decision taken by BCCI in Chennai on Friday at its emergency IPL Governing Council meeting to terminate the contract of the cash-strapped Deccan Chargers.

According to Deccan Chronicles petition, the decision of BCCI was illegal and bad in law. It further sought for interim relief from the High Court to stay the termination on the grounds that BCCI was already planning to invite tenders for the team from Hyderabad.

BCCI, however, informed the High Court that it was not inviting tenders for Deccan Chargers team.

"The BCCI intends to invite tenders for new teams for cities like Ahmedabad, Vizag (Visakhapatnam) and Coimbatore. No new tenders are going to be called for Deccan Chargers now," the affidavit stated.

Justice S J Kathawalla today posted the matter for further hearing on September 24 and directed for status quo to be maintained and no further action to be initiated against Deccan Chargers team.

According to BCCI, it had made every effort to save the beleaguered franchise which also rejected the sole bid that was received at the auction held in Chennai on September 13.

"BCCI was compelled to hold an emergency meeting of the IPL governing council late Friday evening to discuss certain developments due to Deccan Chargers' default," Board Secretary Sanjay Jagdale had said in a press release.

Jagdale had further stated that the governing council took note of the sudden change by the franchise and also the fact that any further extension of time would seriously jeopardise the interests of the players.

Deccan Chronicles Holdings had received a bid of Rs 900 crore by PVP Venture Capitals but surprisingly chose to reject it at the auction as it considered the price and terms unsuitable.